Coprosma rugosa
Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma, also known as Coprosma rugosa, is a hardy native shrub with distinctive needle-like leaves and dense, bushy growth. This resilient species forms extensive thickets in grasslands and forest margins throughout New Zealand, making it an excellent choice for hedging and windbreaks. It is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to provide shelter for native wildlife. native shrubs
Image credit: Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma (C. rugosa). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Coprosma rugosa |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 3 meters |
| Spread | 1.5-2 meters |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate |
| Light | Full sun to light shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate (hardy zone 7) |
| Salt Tolerance | Good |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma is highly adaptable and grows throughout New Zealand from lowland areas to subalpine zones. It tolerates a wide range of conditions including coastal exposure, moderate frost, and drought conditions once established.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma is adaptable to various soil conditions:
Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma thrives with:
Once established, Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma is drought-tolerant:
Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma responds well to pruning and can be shaped as desired:
Always use clean, sharp tools for pruning to minimize disease risk. The dense branching habit responds well to regular trimming.
The best time to plant Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma is during autumn or spring when temperatures are mild and rainfall is reliable. This gives the roots time to establish before extreme weather.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma is quite drought-tolerant but will grow more vigorously with occasional watering during dry periods.
Growing Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma from seed requires patience:
Note: Plants are dioecious (separate male and female plants), so both are needed for fruit production.
Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer are most successful:
Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma (Coprosma rugosa) is part of New Zealand's indigenous flora heritage and belongs to the diverse Coprosma genus, which holds cultural significance in MÄori tradition:
Today, Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma continues to play an important role in ecosystem restoration projects and provides gardeners with a hardy, low-maintenance native option that supports local biodiversity while requiring minimal inputs once established.
Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma is generally robust and pest-resistant when grown in suitable conditions. Most problems arise from poor drainage or environmental stress.
For the best hedge performance, plant Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma specimens 60-80cm apart and trim lightly but regularly from a young age. This creates a dense, formal hedge that can be maintained at any desired height. The needle-like foliage creates an attractive fine-textured surface that contrasts beautifully with broader-leafed plants in mixed plantings.
Needle-leaved Mountain Coprosma (Coprosma rugosa) is part of a highly diverse genus of native New Zealand shrubs, with many species offering unique characteristics and ecological roles. Exploring other Coprosma varieties can reveal a fascinating range of foliage types, growth habits, and berry colors, many of which share similar preferences for well-drained soils and varying light conditions. Consider other robust species like *Coprosma propinqua* or *Coprosma rhamnoides* for similar large-scale plantings, or explore smaller, more delicate forms for rockeries and containers, all contributing to the rich tapestry of New Zealand's native flora.
Learn more about the cultural significance of native shrubs in Cultural Plants.
Coprosma species are evergreen shrubs or small trees with opposite leaves, small flowers, and colourful berries. This species forms a tidy framework with small to medium leaves and seasonal orange to red fruit that attracts native birds.
Lowland to montane forest margins, light scrub, and regenerating woodland on free-draining soils with reasonable moisture. Performs best with good light and airflow.
Provides nectar and pollen for insects; berries for birds that disperse seed locally. Dense branchwork offers microhabitats and shelter for invertebrates and small birds.
Acts as a mid-storey framework species, quickly adding cover and food while tolerating varied conditions. Useful for building wildlife corridors and shading weeds.
Water through the first summer; mulch annually to conserve moisture. Minimal feeding required; a light spring feed suffices on poor soils.
Tip-prune lightly to maintain form and density. Remove dead or crossing wood as needed. Monitor for scale on stressed plants and improve airflow if issues arise.
Useful in wildlife hedges, mixed native borders, and shelterbelts. Pairs well with pittosporum, olearia, hebes, and flaxes for layered, resilient plantings.
Generally Not Threatened and common in the wild. In restoration, use eco-sourced plants appropriate to the local provenance and control weeds during establishment.
This plant has cultural associations in Aotearoa and is valued in restoration and gardens for ecological services; use eco‑sourced stock near natural areas.
Coprosma species held important cultural significance for Māori, with the orange berries of larger species like karamū (C. robusta) eaten by children as a traditional food source. Kanono (C. grandifolia) was particularly valued for its bark, which provided a vibrant orange dye used in traditional crafts and ceremonial items. These versatile shrubs were integrated into daily life, providing both sustenance and materials for cultural practices.
